Glen Powell is back in disguise for the second season of Hulu's "Chad Powers," which premiered in full on Thursday, September 3. The sports comedy, co-created by Powell and Michael Waldron, continues the story of disgraced quarterback Russ Holliday.
Inspired by Eli Manning's 2022 hidden-camera prank, the first season saw Powell don facial prosthetics, a wig, and a new voice to become Chad Powers, an unlikely starting quarterback for the South Georgia Catfish. This gave Russ a second chance at his football dreams, but the season finale revealed that Coach Hudson's daughter, Ricky (Perry Mattfeld), had uncovered his secret.
Season 2 picks up two weeks after the Catfish defeated their rivals and Coach Hudson suffered a heart attack. Chad has become an even bigger star, but a mid-game injury and a prosthetic nose malfunction, dubbed a "Pinnocchio," raise suspicions. Ricky, facing mounting pressure from her father's recovery, her own career aspirations, and the team's booster boss Tricia Yeager (Wynn Everett), reluctantly teams up with Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez) to maintain Chad's ruse. The stakes are further heightened by backup quarterback Gerry (Colton Ryan), who harbors ambitions of his own.
The series draws comparisons to "Ted Lasso" for its inspirational sports vibe and "Hannah Montana" for its dual-identity premise. Creators have also cited "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Jerry Maguire" as influences.
"Chad Powers" Season 2 has been lauded for deepening character dynamics and offering more screen time for Powell as Russ, allowing him to showcase dramatic range beyond the comedic alter ego. Supporting characters like Coach Hudson (Steve Zahn), Tricia Yeager (Wynn Everett), and Gerry (Colton Ryan) also receive more substantial storylines. The latter half of the season is described as a comedic thriller, blending elements of romance, drama, and horror.
The season's six episodes explore the lengths Chad and his accomplices will go to protect his identity, culminating in several twists that set up potential for a third season. The performances of Wynn Everett and Colton Ryan have been specifically highlighted. The season finale teases a future conflict between Chad and Gerry.
Critics recommend "Chad Powers" Season 2, citing its improved balance of character development and football action, along with humor and compelling performances, calling it a "touchdown."